Africa Partnership Station (APS) Swift's Medical Team III returned to the Liberian government hospital in Tubmanberg, Liberia, September 10, 2009.

This is the fourth day the Navy physician, nurse, and corpsman have driven the two hours to the hospital near the Sierra Leone border to offer free examinations, diagnoses, treatment, and medicine as part of a U.S. Navy medical civil action project (MEDCAP) in the country.

Medical Team III is one of three medical teams aboard APS Swift in Liberia, all of which are visiting hospitals and clinics throughout the region. Navy physician, Commander Lloyd G. Burgess of naval hospital Sigonella, Sicily; Navy nurse, Lieutenant junior grade Kevin A. LeLacheur of naval hospital, Jacksonville, Florida; and Petty Officer 2nd Class Lillian A. Ramirez of naval hospital Portsmouth, Virginia began the MEDCAP on September 5 and have been challenged tending to the many types of treatment needed at the hospital.

"We've seen all different types of cases here," said LeLacheur. "From an elderly burn victim to a newborn who was found wrapped in plastic and discarded in the grass. A collapsed building left a woman with so many broken bones she was brought to the hospital in a wheelbarrow. It's been worth the commute for all of us."

APS Swift's mission in the country is, in part, a collaborative outreach between the U.S. military and Liberians to address pressing healthcare needs here.

APS is an international initiative under Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa which aims to work cooperatively with U.S., European and African partners to enhance maritime safety and security on the African continent. APS provides a unique venue to align maritime engagements by utilizing an international team of expert trainers in a variety of military capacities and civilian fields.

Homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. The ship has supported various partnership-building operations and training throughout much of the world, including APS, and will continue to visit ports throughout the region.